Entrants must fully comply with these Entry Rules & Regulations, including all deadlines, film length, entry material and other requirements.

Non-English language works must have English subtitles at the time submitted. Dialogue lists will not be accepted.

Based on real life stories, our documentary film section aims to provide a vivid reflection of the world beyond our doors – taking audiences to places they might never have the chance to see, and introducing them to people they will be glad they got to know. In order to be considered, films must be produced after January 1, 2015. To qualify as a Documentary Feature, the submitted project must be a non-fiction film not including entirely scripted or improvised reenactments or fictional depictions of actual events. Documentaries may contain some dramatization of actual events. Films longer than 30 minutes may be considered. If accepted, the Programming Department will ultimately decide which category suits your project best.

Festival description (Edition: 16th year)

Festival start: 10 October 2018
Festival end: 14 October 2018

From wild road-trip comedies to heart-felt dramas, this series of films is comprised of the freshest films from both established and emerging filmmakers.

Based on real life stories, our documentary film section aims to provide a vivid reflection of the world beyond our doors – taking audiences to places they might never have the chance to see, and introducing them to people they will be glad they got to know. In order to be considered, films must be produced after January 1, 2015. To qualify as a Documentary Feature, the submitted project must be a non-fiction film not including entirely scripted or improvised reenactments or fictional depictions of actual events. Documentaries may contain some dramatization of actual events. Films longer than 30 minutes may be considered. If accepted, the Programming Department will ultimately decide which category suits your project best.

$5,000 Prize for Best Narrative Feature Film
$5,000 Prize for Best Documentary Film
$2,000 Prize for Best Short Film

The SDFF also offers hospitality benefits to our visiting filmmakers:

Filmmaker Benefits
• 2 Filmmaker Badges with full access to all screenings and events
• 5 Complimentary Tickets for the filmmaker's screening
• Filmmaker Brunch including networking with industry professionals
• Discounted accommodations for filmmakers
• Industry-oriented seminars and workshops
• Potential for one-on-one meetings with prominent entertainment industry professionals
• Complimentary admission for some of the leading tourist and cultural attractions in and around San Diego

SUBMISSIONS
The nonrefundable entry fee must be payable in US dollars to SAN DIEGO FILM FOUNDATION. Entries must be POSTMARKED by the deadline. Submission costs vary depending on category and discounts. When submitting to the festival you are agreeing that, if selected and the invitation accepted, to screen the submitted film during the dates of the festival. SDFF will not pay any screening fees for presentation of the film during the festival. The only exception would be if there is a negotiated agreement preceding the submission of the film to SDFF.

ENTRY REGULATIONS
The SDFF is a competitive showcase for domestic and international feature films, documentaries and shorts. The SDFF reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any project submitted. All films must be a minimum of a San Diego Premiere and NO theatrical, cable, television, satellite, DVD, VHS, VOD, internet screenings or availability of any kind in the San Diego region prior to the SDFF dates. Only works completed in 2015 and 2016 are eligible for selection. There is no limit to the number of entries.

FILM/VIDEO ENTRIES
All foreign language entries must have English subtitles. Projects must be submitted for consideration on DVD, BluRay or as an online screener. PAL format will not be accepted. Works in progress will be considered for the SDFF, provided they are completed no later than May 13, 2016. Works in progress will not be screened in the festival. Screening material, press and any application materials sent to SDFF will NOT be returned. If you did not receive a confirmation of submission, please email programming@sdfilmfest.com. All features and documentaries submitted must be available in BluRay and DCP for festival presentation.

COMPETITION
The San Diego Film Festival is a competitive event and unless notified otherwise, all films officially selected are eligible for competition. For a list of competitive categories, please see our Awards page. All films are nominated and voted upon by an impartial jury of filmmakers, industry professionals, festival programmers and film aficionados.

PRESS MATERIALS
If selected, the SDFF will require an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) to include high-resolution production stills, key art, bio and filmography of the director, production notes and full cast and crew credits.

LIABILITY
Although every possible care will be taken with tapes, films, drives and files while in our possession, we cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage. Do not send original or master prints, tapes, files or drives. Please keep the SDFF notified of any address/phone number changes.

SHIPPING
The cost of shipping all entries and films to the festival must be paid by the entrant. The SDFF will not pay the cost of shipping the print back to the filmmaker. SDFF will not be responsible for expedited or overnight shipping charges to other organizations. Also, SDFF cannot guarantee shipment of prints to other festivals during the days of the festival. All international entries must be sent 'free domicile' to the SDFF office with all transportation charges, duties, and taxes prepaid by the shipper.

REPRODUCTION AGREEMENT
Submission of an entry gives the SDFF permission to have excerpts of accepted work, including film trailers, shown in all promotional activities related to the festival.

NOTIFICATION
Films selected for the SDFF will be notified no later than September 1, 2016.

Feature Films

Short and Feature Films >30'

Normal

Submissions deadline
02 July 2018

From wild road-trip comedies to heart-felt dramas, this series of films is comprised of the freshest films from both established and emerging filmmakers.

Short Films

Short Films 30'<

Normal

Submissions deadline
02 July 2018

Our shorts track is comprised of six short film programs (each program is comprised of approximately eight short films and runs 1.5 hours in length). We accept documentary, animated and experimental shorts in this category as well. In order to be considered, films must be produced after January 1, 2015.

Documentary

Short and Feature Films

Normal

Submissions deadline
02 July 2018

Based on real life stories, our documentary film section aims to provide a vivid reflection of the world beyond our doors – taking audiences to places they might never have the chance to see, and introducing them to people they will be glad they got to know. In order to be considered, films must be produced after January 1, 2015. To qualify as a Documentary Feature, the submitted project must be a non-fiction film not including entirely scripted or improvised reenactments or fictional depictions of actual events. Documentaries may contain some dramatization of actual events. Films longer than 30 minutes may be considered. If accepted, the Programming Department will ultimately decide which category suits your project best.

Social Justice

Short and Feature Films

Normal

Submissions deadline
02 July 2018

Using the power of documentary films to tell transformational stories with lasting social impact and to create positive change in the world. The goal is to bring awareness to worldwide social issues. Issues can include, but are not limited to, homelessness, violence against women, LGBT+, Eco-Environmental, discrimination.

Native American

Short and Feature Films

Normal

Submissions deadline
02 July 2018

Support of Native American filmmakers is part of the SDFF’s core mission and has an annual program spotlight that includes short and feature length narrative and documentary films. To be considered for the Native American category, the film must be directed, produced or co-produced by a Native American or explore a topic pertinent to Native American culture. In order to be considered, films must be produced after January 1, 2015.

Animation

Short and Feature Films

Normal

Submissions deadline
02 July 2018

There are no limits on format. For filmmakers, there are no age limits or education requirements. Even animation industry professionals exploring the independent sector are eligible, or works-in-progress! Films entered in this category must be under 30 minutes in length and contain a significant amount of animation. If accepted, the programming department will ultimately decide which category suits your project best. In order to be considered, films must be produced after January 1, 2013.

Miltiary

Short and Feature Films

Normal

Submissions deadline
02 July 2018

Films that honor our U.S. military veterans and active duty personnel by telling their stories, in order to help bring closure, create understanding and bridge the gap of empathy between the civilian community and our sailors, soldiers and airmen fostering the spirit of One Nation unified on the home front.

Student

Short and Feature Films

Normal

Submissions deadline
02 July 2018

Student narrative, documentary, and shorts are those films completed for degree requirements or while in school of a university or film school program. Student shorts represent solid storytelling and emerging visions from a broad range of categories, and also includes student animation.